Bond Graph Modeling and Simulation of Impact Dynamics of a Car Crash

The crashworthiness of an automobile and the survivability of its passengers in road accidents are of paramount importance to the automobile industry. Thus the designers in making automobiles have focused increased attention on designing a car, which provides greater protection for the drivers and the passengers in case of an accident. Before a new model is launched into the market, a complete collision analysis is carried out to check the damage reduction capabilities and impact protection of vehicles in case of an accident. The use of crash dummies, computer simulation and crash analysis of automobiles has enhanced the protection and safety features of automobiles. This research paper applies the techniques of bond graph theory to the analysis of an automobile-crash. The dynamic system is first converted into a bond graph. This bond graph represents a precise mathematical model of the dynamic system. The bond graph is then converted into the representative state-space equations. Both these steps are carried out in an automated computer program. This research work aims at an optimum design through parametric studies to evolve a safe design of an automobile to increase the chances of survivability of its passengers under crash conditions.